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Hairspray
Malvern Theatres
***** THE wannabe stars of TV talent shows
could learn a lesson or two from the lovable heroine of Hairspray, Tracy
Turnblad. For when thrust into the limelight in 1960’s
America, she uses her fame for good, to fight for civil rights and
equality for women, whatever their size or colour. This fun, big and bold musical has become a cult
classic not just because it's a rip-roaring rollercoaster of a show, but
because it's also got morals deep at its heart, Tracy's heart. Set in 1962 Baltimore, the story follows Tracy -
"the big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart", who is trying to
reach a national TV dance final. When her appearance makes her a local star, Tracy
ends up getting on board bigger struggles than just avoiding detention
and being picked on by the mean girls for her size. There's plenty of romance too amongst the
talented energetic cast that includes Freya Sutton in the lead role. A
part the theatre actress has developed into her own. Joining her is a cast
of famous TV faces, notably Tony Maudsley (ITV1’s Benidorm) and ex-Blue
Peter presenter Peter Duncan as her hilarious parents, who deserve the
biggest cheer of the night for their duet
You're Timeless To Me. Meanwhile former
Brookside actress Claire Sweeney takes a turn on the dark side and seems
to revel in playing outrageous bigot Velma Von Tussle. Her voice suits
the deep, moody songs like The Legend
of Miss Baltimore Crabs stealing the
show vocally, however, it is one-time X Factor contestant Brenda Edwards
(Chicago, We Will Rock You) who mesmerises with her powerful vocals as
Motormouth Maybelle. It's a comedy for most
part, but there are also glimpses of deep emotion, especially during
Edwards' rendition of civil rights themed
I Know Where I've Been,
which ends with images of Martin Luther King on screen. The movie Hairspray, starring Divine and Ricki
Lake, secured this musical's popularity back in the 1980s with a
scintillating score of songs. When it opened in Broadway in 2002, it won eight
Tony Awards, and picked up a further four Olivier Awards, including Best
New Musical, when it reached London's West End in 2007. This slick, hugely entertaining show is now on a
40-week UK tour and is a riot of colour and song. Make sure you catch it
when you can. To 10-10-15 Alison Brinkworth
05-10-15 Hairspray returns to the Midlands on December 14 at The New Alexandra Theatre, running for three weeks until January 2.
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